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How to Build an Artist’s Portfolio

By Arthur Pixler

By Arthur PixlerPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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You've decided that art school is for you. But before you can start preparing for the journey, you need to create a portfolio. This step will help you show off your skills and prepare you for the admissions process.

Being an artist means that you're constantly creating new works. However, it's also important to remember that your pieces should not be too random. Developing a portfolio is crucial to ensure that you follow a proper artistic path.

What is an Art Portfolio?

There are two main reasons why people need an art portfolio. One is to get into an art school, and the other is to sell their works to potential clients. Having a portfolio is very important to ensure that you follow a proper artistic path.

School

Before you start building a portfolio, it's vital that you thoroughly understand the requirements of the portfolio. Every school has its own requirements for a portfolio. Prior to you sitting down to create your portfolio, take a look at the list of requirements that they have for each piece. Having a well-defined set of requirements will allow you to create a compelling portfolio.

Unfortunately, many students don't follow the guidelines when it comes to creating their portfolios. They tend to go with what they think is the best idea, even if it isn't in the guidelines.

Other Examples

One of the easiest ways to find out what type of portfolio you should have is to look at other students' portfolios. In addition to the instructor's portfolio, you can also ask a fellow student for help.

One of the essential factors that you should consider when creating a portfolio is the visual connection it has to the work. Having a solid visual connection can help you make an effective portfolio.

A Range of Work

One important factor that you should consider when creating a portfolio is the age of the work. As artists change, their work may not reflect what's currently happening in the market.

A recent portfolio is very important to show the artist's various skills and experiences. It should also demonstrate their creativity and originality.

Organizing Your Portfolio

Your work's order in the portfolio will help admissions counselors understand how you think and develop your ideas. Consistent thought processes and presentation skills will also help them focus on your skills.

Set-Up

Most schools require a basic description of the piece and a title, as well as a date and a description of the medium. If they're looking for more information, make it more elaborate.

Discussing Your Work

Your portfolio may be used during an interview, in an email, or even during a presentation. In addition to the title, you may also have to provide additional information about the work.

Although you don't need to remember every tiny detail of your selection, it's important to revisit the process of creating the work. This will help admissions counselors understand how you came up with the ideas.

Technical Work and Meaning

It's also important to show off your technical skills, but you should also include work demonstrating how you can communicate your storytelling abilities.

Your portfolio should be focused on the deeper meaning of the pieces. If you can tie the purpose of the pieces to a unique experience or an exceptional attribute, it will help admissions counselors focus on you.

Quality Over Quantity

You should still be concerned with the school's minimum requirements; you should not be overly concerned with the number of works in your portfolio. More pieces could help, but it shouldn't detract from your quality.

Showing Off Your Technical Ability

Technical skills allow artists to communicate their message or meaning through their work. They can also help admissions counselors identify potential in the student. Art schools are also concerned with the development of a foundational technique that can be used in the classroom.

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About the Creator

Arthur Pixler

Arthur Pixler is a proud member of the community in Fenton, Iowa, where he has built a solid reputation and has retired from a successful career in educational administration. Head to ArthurPixler.net to stay updated with his blogs!

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